When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a good hotdish to bring the family together. One of my favorites is Mock Chow Mein Hotdish.
This dish is a delicious blend of hearty ingredients, creamy goodness, and just the right amount of crunch. While it’s inspired by the flavors of Chinese chow mein, it’s a true-blue Midwestern creation that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat.
Mock Chow Mein Hotdish is the kind of recipe that reminds us of simpler times—when gathering around the table with loved ones was the highlight of the day.
Its combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements makes it a dish that everyone can enjoy.
This is one of those meals that’s easy to make and satisfy the craving for Chinese food. Plus, it comes together quickly and uses just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Making it the perfect option for a busy weeknight meal.
If you love exploring Chinese-inspired recipes, you can try my Chicken Chow Mein, Pork Fried Rice, and Sweet and Sour Chicken.
So grab your skillet or casserole dish and give this Midwest classic a try. You might just find a new family favorite!
What is Mock Chow Mein Hotdish?
Mock Chow Mein Hotdish is a comforting casserole-style dish popular in the Midwest, particularly in areas where “hotdish” refers to any baked, hearty meal combining protein, vegetables, starch, and a creamy binder like a soup base.
Despite its name, Mock Chow Mein Hotdish isn’t traditional Chinese chow mein but is inspired by its flavors, with some elements like soy sauce and crunchy chow mein noodles.
It’s called “mock” because it mimics the flavors of chow mein but is not authentic to Chinese cuisine. Instead, it’s a classic example of how Midwestern cooking adapts global flavors into a comforting, one-dish meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Celery, diced
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Soy sauce
- Rice
- Water
- Chow mein noodles
How to make Mock Chow Mein Hotdish
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Add the onion, and celery the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, water, and soy sauce.
Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Stir in rice.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.
Remove the foil, bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Let the hotdish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle the chow mein noodles evenly over the top.
Enjoy!
Mock Chow Mein Hotdish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the onion, and celery the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, water, and soy sauce.
- Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Stir in rice.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling.
- Remove the foil, bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the hotdish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle the chow mein noodles evenly over the top.
- Enjoy!
